Edges of the run

[mararva]

The run we built is 8x16 and the wire goes out about 4" at the bottom. Over that bottom edge, I have added crushed gravel and larger stones. Under the door I used even larger slate and paver pieces. Will this be enough to keep out digging predators, or do I need to add wire to the inside floor? Thanks for your input!

 

[aart]

Lose the pavers, they just dig under them, and make apron go out at least 12".
Save those rocks for inside the run along the edges, where the chickens will dig.
Mesh on the ground in the run is not a good idea, IMO, bad for chicken feet.

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[mararva]

Thank you for the info. Will predators dig into the run even if the chickens are locked in the coop at night?

 

[aart]

Thank you for the info. Will predators dig into the run even if the chickens are locked in the coop at night?

They might...most predators are nocturnal.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you for the info. Will predators dig into the run even if the chickens are locked in the coop at night?

Potentially... I've had a coon try to pry up the wire on a corner of the run, and rats try to burrow in. Both at night while the chickens are locked in the coop.

 

[David61]

Thank you for the info. Will predators dig into the run even if the chickens are locked in the coop at night?

I did not put an apron on my run. But I did use rock on the inside to slow the girls down. They dig at the base of things. My fenced run is covered with heavy 2" netting. I have killed a few possums outside the run that the dog cornered and saw some coon fur where one got caught in the loose netting. I was told to drape the netting so it is hard to hang on without getting tangled. Seams to be true. You will forget to shut the door sometimes so the more you doo to the run the better.

 

[David61]

Potentially... I've had a coon try to pry up the wire on a corner of the run, and rats try to burrow in. Both at night while the chickens are locked in the coop.

I screwed dog eared fence board on top of my wire seams.

 

[aart]

I did not put an apron on my run. But I did use rock on the inside to slow the girls down.

I did both.
Outside apron to stop the from preds digging in.
Inside boards, logs, pavers, bricks, to stop the chicken from digging out under the outer apron.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

 

[mararva]

What is the best gauge wire for an apron? I have some 1/2" wire left over, but it might not be enough to go around. The coop is a converted shed with concrete floor, so I don't think anything will dig through that.

 

[David61]

I did both.
Outside apron to stop the from preds digging in.
Inside boards, logs, pavers, bricks, to stop the chicken from digging out under the outer apron.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

I'm urban with many dogs around so most of my worries come at night. My dog is in and out at will so hawks are about it for my day time run. They would still have to dig in but I have not seen a sign.

What is the best gauge wire for an apron? I have some 1/2" wire left over, but it might not be enough to go around. The coop is a converted shed with concrete floor, so I don't think anything will dig through that.

Most anything will do (other than chicken wire). Whats your plan? Right on top of grass, I would go with 2x4 animal wire. Lawn staple it down. The grass will come right through it and you can mow over it. Under the ground old chain link works good. I use the same hardware cloth i was siding with. I just turned it out 16" at a downward angle. You can see i used some old chain link as well.